Bright & Wild 27 – Performing Arts Commission

Lyra’s Thursday Young Artists (ages 9‑11) are commissioning an experienced Lead Artist to create a new live performance for the 2027 Bright & Wild Festival in Edinburgh. Artists from any live‑performance background – dance, parkour, music, circus, installation, theatre, storytelling, live art, moving image and more – may apply. The commission includes a fee of £6,750 (paid at £225 per day) plus a £1,500 budget for materials and collaborators, free theatre, studio and hot‑desk space, support from a facilitator, Youth Arts Worker, Festival Designer, producer and dramaturgical mentoring, and opportunities to showcase the work to industry professionals. The role runs from October 2026 to June 2027 with weekly Thursday sessions, two induction days, a tech/dress day and four festival‑week days, culminating in performances in the week of 17 May 2027. Applications are submitted in three stages: an Expression of Interest (deadline 1 September 2026, 12 midday), a Commission Proposal (deadline 14 September 2026), and a pitch workshop (24 September 2026).

Free theatre, studio and hot‑desk space; £1,500 materials budget; facilitator and Youth Arts Worker support; Festival Designer; producer and dramaturgical mentoring; industry showcase opportunities.

Open to artists from any live‑performance background; no nationality or age restrictions for applicants.